In a significant development, St. Louis County voters will have the opportunity in April to determine if the County Council has the authority to dismiss high-ranking county employees. This decision comes after a legal battle over the matter. However, there is a catch: the council must fund this ballot measure. Some members propose using interest from the Rams settlement money, totaling more than half a million dollars, to cover the election costs. The county has $169 million from the settlement, with just over $40 million already spent, leaving a substantial amount plus annual interest of $3-4 million.

The Financial Strategy Behind Funding the Ballot Measure

County officials are considering a strategic approach to finance the upcoming ballot issue without depleting the principal funds. Councilman Dennis Hancock suggests tapping into the interest earned from the Rams settlement money, which amounts to several million dollars annually. By using only the interest, Hancock believes the county can responsibly manage its finances while ensuring transparency and accountability. This method aims to balance fiscal prudence with the need for governance reform.

Hancock emphasizes that the county’s portion of the Rams settlement has been generating considerable interest each year. He argues that utilizing this interest to fund the election would demonstrate good stewardship of public resources. Hancock points out that the county has already allocated portions of the settlement for various projects, such as repairing neighborhood streets and developing a climate action plan. With over $128 million still untouched, plus ongoing interest, he believes there is ample financial cushion to support this initiative without impacting other critical needs.

Public Opinion and Potential Challenges

Opinions among residents vary widely regarding the use of settlement funds for this purpose. While some advocate for prioritizing public safety or other immediate needs, others prefer to let the funds accumulate interest. Hancock supports a balanced approach, where the principal remains intact while the interest is used wisely. This strategy ensures long-term financial stability while addressing current priorities.

The proposed charter amendment has faced opposition from department directors, who argued it was misleading. Despite these challenges, a judge ruled that the measure could proceed to the ballot. If passed, it would grant the council the power to terminate any department director or the county’s top civil lawyer. Hancock notes that recent interactions with department directors have been difficult, with information access being restricted. He believes this measure is crucial for effective oversight and accountability. However, potential legal challenges could arise if the amendment passes, adding another layer of complexity to this issue.